Facebook removes ads from controversial pages to avoid boycott

Facebook has announced a major revamp on their advertising systems to assist with the prevention of offensive content. There will now be new restrictions on where the dedicated advert will appear on the social media network.

Companies like Marks and Spencer and BSkyB suspended their advertising after complaints about their adverts being placed on pages with offensive material. As a result, Facebook are planning to remove any advertising from many of its pages.

Facebook said, “We recognize we need to do more to prevent situations where ads are displayed alongside controversial Pages and Groups. So we are taking action.”

The social network has decided to implement new processes to determine which pages should feature adverts alongside the content. Adverts will not have any violent, graphic or sexual content, even if this content is not in violation of the specified company’s rules.

It is said that Facebook will create a “gold standard” of approximately 10,000 pages that are suitable for adverts, and then inspect other pages to be added to this list. For now, all adverts will be removed from other pages.

Companies that have been victims to offensive advertising have said that they would be glad to use Facebook again, provided that their advertising would not appear alongside offensive content, or material that would potentially harm their brand.

Ceri is the Sales and Marketing Director at Talooma. Over about 15 years, Ceri has developed his passion for meeting people and selling, during which time he has mastered the art of networking and consulting. Ceri has enjoyed watching the Internet industry grow over the past 10 years in South Africa and has been very fortunate to have been a part of it.